The Collection Vintage Singer Sewing Machines

Transcription

1 The Collection Vintage Singer Sewing Machines Chatterbox Quilts Ist Edition Chatterbox Quilts 2016

2 Table of Contents The Collection... 1 Model Numbers... 1 The Classics... 3 Singer Singer Singer Singer The Featherweights Singer Singer 222K The Transitionals Singer Singer 401 J Singer The Rocketeer The Vintage Singer Sewing Machine Series Chatterbox Quilts 2016

3 The Collection My Favourites If you read the first book in this series you know that I tend to break the wide variety of Singer sewing machines into four major groups: Manual, Classic, Transitional, and Modern, based on their appearance and (roughly) when they were made. The first group, Manual, contains machines made prior to the 1920 s. In general, these machines tended to be manual and were not built with electric motors. The second group were produced after the 1920 s and I like to call them Classic. They were still designed with what I consider the classic style shiny black, with gold decals and with the swanlike shape (thin neck), but could be ordered with an electric motor. They often came in beautiful cabinets and bentwood cases that further demonstrated the craftsmanship of the people making the machines. The third group are the machines that were built after what I call Classic and before the 1960 s. I call them Transitional. They were designed with a more utilitarian or trendy style. Machines from this era sew well and offer features that the classics don t have, but I don t like their style as much. No shiny black and no pretty gold decals. The fourth group is what I call the Modern machines and were produced in a period that spans from the 1960 s to today. In response to increased competition Singer began producing containing lower quality components (often made of plastic) with uninspired styling, although they offered more features than their predecessors. My favourite machines are mostly from the Classic group and my collection reflects that, however I also have a few machines from the Transitional group because I was attracted to their additional features or their iconic styling. Model Numbers By now you probably know that various models of sewing machines from Singer were identified with a number such as 99, 201, etc. Singer used the model numbers for machines that have specific design features, but then sometimes appended numbers to the model to indicate a specific version of that particular model. A good example is the Singer 15. This particular model was in production for almost 100 years so there were quite a number of variations produced. Singer used this numbering scheme to make the distinction between the type of motor that was "1 Chatterbox Quilts 2016

4 installed. The Singer uses a belt drive, while the Singer has a potted motor and is gear driven. You may have also discovered that a lot of machines have model numbers that also contain letters such as 99K. The letter that follows the model number indicates where the machine was manufactured: they don't indicate any difference in the model. My collection includes Classic machines that were made either at the Kilbowie factory in Clydebank, Scotland: the model numbers have a "K" after them, or in St. Jean-sur-Richilieu in Quebec, Canada. These machines have a "J" after the model number. Singer 221K - Featherweight made in Kilbowie, Scotland "2 Chatterbox Quilts 2016

5 The Classics Beauty in Black Machines from this group are my favourite not only because they have an amazing stitch, but also due to their classic style. The sewing machines were timeless pieces of domestic machinery, essential to the daily function of a household. They were designed and manufactured at great expense to last indefinitely and they have. While it's true that they don't have hundreds of decorative stitches and features, they have been designed to do one thing very well - sew a beautiful straight stitch. Singer 99 Small But Powerful The first vintage Singer sewing machine I purchased was the 99K and it is still one of my favourites. I love the ornate decals, elaborate metal scroll work, and attractive swan neck lines on this machine. My machine was produced in 1939 in the Kilbowie factory in Clydebank, Scotland. It is hard to believe that this beauty is over 75 years old and is still running strong. Singer 99K "3 Chatterbox Quilts 2016

6 Singer 99K - View From The Back Singer 99K - View From The Front "4 Chatterbox Quilts 2016

7 Singer 99K - View From The Rear Singer 99K - Bobbin Winder "5 Chatterbox Quilts 2016

8 Singer 99K - Storage Compartment The Singer 99 model was derived from the well-established Singer 66. It is s actually a ¾ size version of the full size Singer Model 66 using an identical mechanism and many of the same parts, other than the basic body casting. The Singer 99 was first produced in 1911 and production continued until In 1921 the company introduced the option of an electric motor making the 99 model the first portable Singer electric sewing machine. The Singer 99 is a straight stitch, low shank machine that accepts the same needles that are used in modern machines. It uses a class 66 drop-in bobbin. There is no reverse and the feed dogs do not drop. The machine tilts up on its base to reveal a small compartment where the attachments and power cord can be stored. The knee bar is often stored in the lid of the bentwood case. The Singer 99 model sewing machine was very popular with occasional home sewists because at 22 pounds (9.98 kg.) it was more manageable than full size machines, which weighed in around 30 pounds (13.6 kg.). They were sold with a bentwood case that allowed them to be easily carried.: although, I am not sure that lugging around 22 pounds of sewing machine is really that easy! "6 Chatterbox Quilts 2016

9 Singer 99K Bentwood Case The Singer 99K I purchased for my collection also came with the combination table no. 301, which I actually use as my computer desk when I'm not using the machine.. The table has a centre panel that can be lowered so the base of the 99K can be inserted into it. This arrangement puts the machine bed at the same height as the table - providing a large, level area for sewing. The table is designed so that you can use the same knee lever that you would use if your were operating the machine as a portable. When you are finished sewing you can put the bentwood case back on and the machine becomes an attractive piece of furniture or you can store the machine elsewhere, raise the panel and the cabinet can be used as a table. Original Condition I found this machine online and was intrigued by the combination of bentwood case and cabinet. When I went to see it I fell in love with the ornate decals and lines on this machine. The bentwood cabinet and the table were also in really good condition. It came with the standard attachments and two knee bars. I discovered the extra one in you guessed it the top of the bentwood case. Unfortunately the wiring was in rough shape and would need replacing. Since this was my first time purchasing a machine, and I didn t know better, I plugged in the machine to ensure that it "7 Chatterbox Quilts 2016

10 would run. I probably shouldn't have done this as the wiring was in really bad shape. I was lucky I didn't get a jolt, which would have quickly ended my collection at one! Damaged Wiring on the Singer 99K After a little research and some new materials the Singer 99K was rewired and ready to be restored. This machine had been sitting unused for decades and needed some cleaning up. It had been well cared for so I only had to add some oil, do a bit of minor cleaning, and it was ready to sew. I was pleased with the condition of the bentwood cover as it can be difficult to find these in good shape. I used Howard Products Restor-a-Finish and Feed-N-Wax on the cabinet, but I didn't need to touch the bentwood case, other than to dust it off. "8 Chatterbox Quilts 2016

11 Singer The Rocketeer The Rocketeer was introduced in 1961 when the world was enthralled with space age styling. The Singer 500 features futuristic lines and looks like it's ready to blast off! This is arguably Singer's most iconic model and highly collectible. The Rocketeer came in a tan and cream combination only. No black, no decals, but lots of modern, futuristic styling. Singer The Rocketeer The Rocketeer is a slant shank machine like the 301 and the 401, so no low shank attachments will fit on it. Like the 401, the throat plate raises to negate the feed dogs. The 500 is gear driven so there is no belt or external motor. The Rocketeer has a drop-in bobbin with the bobbin winder located under the top lid. It has a reverse stitch and features many built-in decorative stitches as well as special discs, like the 401. You could purchase additional special discs for more stitches. The Rocketeer is the beginning of the end of the all-metal slant needle machines. It wasn't long before Singer moved away from metal parts, both internally and externally. "39 Chatterbox Quilts 2016

12 Singer Back Singer Front "40 Chatterbox Quilts 2016

13 Singer 500 Rear While the Rocketeer has similar features to the previous slant-o-matic model, the 401, there are quite a few differences. The top of the machine pops up to show stitch combinations and this is where the two spool pins are located. They are bendy and fold down when you close the top. Although this is convenient, these spool spindles can break easily. If you want to sew with the top closed, there is an extra spool pin in the attachment box that can be affixed to the top of the lid. While this sounds like it would work well, it can be a problem as this extra spool pin is easily lost and you might have trouble finding a replacement one. Singer Top Open "41 Chatterbox Quilts 2016

14 The faceplate on the Singer 500 opens to show the threading pattern and the machine itself features an automatic thread control: an additional area in the thread path. Singer Face Plate Open My particular machine is a portable which make it convenient to store. The machine came with an undamaged hard plastic cover and a complete attachment box. Singer Attachment Box There wasn t much cleaning required with this machine, just a good oiling and and a wipe down of the hard plastic case as there was no cabinet to restore. "42 Chatterbox Quilts 2016

15 The Vintage Singer Sewing Machine Series This book is part of the fourth course in the Singer Vintage Sewing Machine Series from Chatterbox Quilts. The series consists of five courses that will provide you with all that you need to know about buying and restoring a vintage Singer sewing machine. Each course consists of a carefully designed combination of ebook, video, reference materials and links to Youtube and online resources. The ebooks and videos are each complete in of themselves and can be used individually. The learning process is greatly enhanced if the ebooks and videos for each course are used together. Everyone has a different learning style and the wide range of information sources in each course provides you with opportunities to learn when and how you want. Here is the list of courses: Vintage Singer Sewing Machines Find out what a vintage Singer sewing machine is and why you should buy one. Ebook: Vintage Singer Sewing Machines Video Tutorials: Vintage SingerSewing Machines; Buy A Vintage Sewing Machine Find a Vintage Singer Sewing Machine Learn how to decide on a model, where to buy it and how to evaluate the specific machine when you are about to make a purchase. Ebook: Find avintage Singer Sewing Machine Video Tutorials: Purchase A Vintage Sewing Machine; Evaluate A Vintage Sewing Machine; Vintage Sewing Machine Attachments "43 Chatterbox Quilts 2016

16 Restore a Vintage Singer Sewing Machine Learn how to restore, repair and maintain your new purchase. Ebook: Restore avintage Singer Sewing Machine Video Tutorials: Restore Your Vintage Singer Sewing Machine; Maintain Your Vintage Singer Sewing Machine; Repair Your Vintage Singer Sewing Machine The Collection Take a tour of the various vintage Singer sewing machines that Kim has in her collection. Ebook: The Collection Video Tutorials: The Classic Collection; The Transitional Collection Vintage Singer Sewing Machine Projects Instructions on how to make two projects using your new acquired vintage Singer sewing machine. Patters for both projects are included. Ebook: Projects for Vintage Singer Sewing Machines Video Tutorials: Featherweight Bed Extension Cozy; Table Topper Construction, Table Topper Backing and Quilting "44 Chatterbox Quilts 2016

17 Kim Jamieson-Hirst of Chatterbox Quilts Kim has been designing quilt, hand embroidery and soft toy patterns for Chatterbox Quilts since Her designs and articles have been featured in Quilter's Connection Magazine, The Country Register, and Irish Quilting magazine, as well as Bustle & Sew ezine. Kim is an active blogger who shares information about quilts, hand embroidery, vintage sewing machines - just about anything to do with fabric. You can find her blog at: chatterboxquilts.com/ blog. She has an extensive YouTube channel where she shares videos about quilting, book reviews and her love (some would say, obsession) of vintage sewing machines. You can find her YouTube channel at Kim is a Janome artisan, creating and sharing projects created on her Janome 8900, the Artistic Edge digital cutter and the 500E embroidery machine. Recently Kim has launched a new series of courses that build on her experience with the wide range of content delivery that is available. These new courses leverage the unique aspects of written, video and web-based content delivery to provide a positive and compelling learning experience for everyone. Kim loves to share her passion for teaching with others and welcomes the opportunity to make new friends. You can contact her at: kim@chatterboxquilts.com. "45 Chatterbox Quilts 2016